Raised under IBLP? You're not alone. In this episode, Stephanie exposes 9 core lies taught by Bill Gothard—and replaces them with the freeing truth of Scripture. It’s time to break the silence, reclaim your voice, and rediscover a God who doesn’t control through fear, but heals through love.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/unplugged-therapy-nurturing-your-soul/donations

Many of us were handed a version of God wrapped in fear, control, and shame—taught that obedience equals love and questioning equals rebellion. In this episode, we’re peeling back the layers of religious legalism to rediscover who God really is—apart from man-made rules and spiritual manipulation. We’ll talk about what legalism looks like, how it distorts faith, and why reclaiming God is an act of healing. This is a conversation for the deconstructing, the doubting, and the deeply hurt—those who still long for connection with God but need to shed the weight of toxic religion first. You’re not crazy. You’re not alone. Let’s talk about it.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/unplugged-therapy-nurturing-your-soul/donations

Starting therapy can feel intimidating—especially if you don’t know what to expect. In this episode of Unplugged Therapy, we pull back the curtain on the first therapy session. From the moment you walk in (or log on) to the questions your therapist might ask, we talk through it all—honestly and without the jargon.

Whether you’ve never been to therapy or you’re returning after a break, this conversation is here to ease anxiety, answer common questions, and remind you: you don’t have to have it all figured out to begin.

We’ll cover:

• What the first session is (and isn’t)

• What therapists are really listening for

• How to know if it's a good fit

• And why you don’t need to share everything on day one

This episode is your reminder that therapy is for everyone—and taking that first step is something to be proud of.Thinking about starting therapy? In this episode, we walk through exactly what happens in a first session—no pressure, no clinical jargon. Just honest talk about what to expect, how to prepare, and why showing up is already a win.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/unplugged-therapy-nurturing-your-soul/donations

What happens when obedience is valued more than honesty — and authority is never questioned?

In this episode, I’m sharing my personal journey of growing up in the teachings of the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP), and how that environment slowly caused me to lose my voice. This isn’t about blaming anyone — it’s about shedding light on a system that framed silence as faithfulness and submission as spiritual maturity.

We’ll talk about IBLP’s “umbrella of authority” model, the ways it shaped identity (especially for girls), and how internalizing these beliefs made it hard to trust my own thoughts, emotions, and decisions. I’ll also share how I’m working to rebuild that trust, rediscover my voice, and hold on to a gentler, freer faith.

If you’ve ever felt like you had to shrink yourself to be “good enough,” this episode is for you.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/unplugged-therapy-nurturing-your-soul/donations

Anxiety is loud—but you can turn the volume down.

In this honest, practical episode, we’re diving into the messy, everyday reality of anxiety. From harmless worry to full-on catastrophizing, this episode is your guide to understanding what’s happening in your brain—and how to respond with grace, not panic.

What you’ll learn:

• Why anxiety is actually normal—and when it becomes too much
• The different types of anxiety (and how to tell what you're experiencing)
• What it means to “catastrophize” and how to challenge those thoughts
• A simple, therapist-backed CBT tool called decatastrophizing
• Grounding and calming techniques you can use anytime anxiety shows up

This isn’t about “fixing” yourself—it’s about understanding your mind and supporting your body through the hard moments. You’re not alone, and you’re not broken. You’re human—and that’s more than enough.

If this episode resonates, don’t forget to follow, review, or share it with someone who could use a little calm today.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/unplugged-therapy-nurturing-your-soul/donations

In Part Two of my journey out of IBLP, I dive into the emotional and spiritual toll of growing up in a system where fear and performance were mistaken for faith. I explore how the inner child is silenced in environments where feelings are labeled as sin, and how I’ve begun the tender work of reconnecting with that little girl inside—the one who was never allowed to just be. If you’ve struggled with shame, emotional disconnection, or still feel the weight of spiritual trauma, this episode is for you.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/unplugged-therapy-nurturing-your-soul/donations

In this special episode, we open up about what it means to struggle with mental health and how to hold on when life feels heavy. Whether you’re facing depression, anxiety, emotional exhaustion, or simply need encouragement, this is a safe space for your heart to breathe.

We’ll talk through:

• How to recognize emotional distress and signs of struggle
• Simple but powerful ways to care for your mind, body, and spirit
• Where to find help when you feel stuck or in crisis
• Why your life has purpose, even when you can’t see it
• The unshakable hope found in Jesus

With prayer, Scripture, and gentle truth, this episode is here to remind you that you are not forgotten and you are not too far gone. There is help. There is healing. And there is hope.

Need support? Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Crisis Text Line | Text HOME to 741741 Free, 24/7

Find a local therapist: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/unplugged-therapy-nurturing-your-soul/donations

In this deeply personal episode, I begin to unpack my story growing up in the IBLP (Institute in Basic Life Principles), founded by Bill Gothard. This isn’t just about a high-control religious group—it’s about how fear-based faith shaped every part of my life: from how I dressed, to how I thought, to how I viewed God. I share the silent pressures, the rigid rules, and how leaving the system didn’t immediately bring freedom—it brought questions, confusion, and the beginning of healing.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/unplugged-therapy-nurturing-your-soul/donations

Emotions can come on like waves—sometimes crashing, sometimes rolling in quietly. This Emotion Surfing Mindfulness Meditation helps you meet those emotional waves with gentleness, awareness, and steadiness.

Rather than pushing feelings away or being overwhelmed by them, this guided practice teaches you to “surf” emotions by staying present and grounded. It’s a powerful tool for managing anxiety, sadness, anger, or any intense emotion—especially when you feel emotionally flooded.

In this episode, you’ll:

• Learn to identify and label emotions mindfully
• Use the breath as an anchor during emotional intensity
• Visualize emotions as waves that rise, peak, and pass
• Build emotional resilience without judgment or avoidance

Perfect for moments of overwhelm or regular emotional check-ins.

Best experienced in a quiet space with headphones.

Let the waves come—and trust that you can ride them out.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/unplugged-therapy-nurturing-your-soul/donations

“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10

In this faith-based meditation, you’ll be guided through a calming, scripture-centered reflection designed to help you let go of striving and find peace in God’s presence. Through deep breathing, silence, and gentle prompts, you are invited to release your burdens, surrender control, and trust in God’s sovereignty and love.

In this episode, you’ll:

• Reflect slowly and prayerfully on Psalm 46:10
• Settle your body and mind through breath and stillness
• Let go of stress, anxiety, and overwhelm
• Rest in the assurance of God’s presence and faithfulness

This is a sacred space to recenter your heart and spirit. Whether you’re feeling anxious, weary, or just in need of quiet, this meditation offers you a few peaceful minutes to simply be with the Lord.

Best experienced in a quiet setting, with headphones if possible.

Take a deep breath… and be still.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/unplugged-therapy-nurturing-your-soul/donations